What is a PRIMARY benefit of employing control self-assessment techniques?

Utilizing control self-assessment techniques primarily shines in its ability to highlight high-risk areas for detailed review. This method empowers organizations to engage staff in evaluating and discussing the effectiveness of their internal controls, particularly in processes where risks may be higher. By identifying these areas, organizations can proactively address them before they escalate into more significant issues. Control self-assessment offers a systematic approach to recognize and prioritize risks, making it a valuable tool for internal audits and risk management.

Other options, while they may offer varying advantages, do not encapsulate the main benefit as effectively. Identifying low-risk areas for review is important, but the primary focus of self-assessments is on risk areas that require attention. IS auditors conducting independent assessments can provide an important outside perspective, yet the essence of self-assessment is rooted in internal engagement and self-evaluation. While self-assessments might enhance the auditing process, they do not aim to replace traditional audits but rather complement them by fostering a culture of continuous improvement and risk awareness.